641D Steering Wheel Removal

[TX641D]

I took the bolt and washer off of the steering wheel shaft. After looking at the service manual, it looks like it should just come off. It didn't! I gave it a couple whacks with a rubber mallet with same result.

Is that steering wheel threaded on? I don't see a retaining key or anything in the parts list.

How does it come off?

 

[awhtx]

There are no threads or keys- the shaft and the wheel are splined. And they are notorious for getting stuck together with 50 years of rust.
You can remove the nut and washer and soak the splines with PB Blaster for a couple of days. Then thread the nut back on but leave about 1/8" gap before it contacts the wheel. Then grab the wheel while standing on the running boards and pull up on each side alternating from one to the other. If you're lucky it will pop free and you'll see why you put the nut back on.
If it doesn't pop free then take two ball pien hammers, one to back up the strikes from the other on the wheel hub. Then repeat the stand and pull process.
If it's still stuck and you have an acetylene torch with a rosebud you can heat the wheel hub red hot and I can guarantee you it will pop free when you pull up.
Some have resorted to splitting the hub with a hacksaw and a chisel.

 

[TX641D]

Man, you aren't kidding! Stuck is an understatement. So, I hooked a chain around the 3 arms of the steering wheel and hooked it to the bucket of my Deere. 641D had 1 wheel left on the ground but that steering wheel was exactly where it started.

I'll try your suggestions tomorrow!

 

[Operator4100]

Hey There, When had to remove mine I put a gear puller on it, I pulled it down tight and also sprayed well with PB blaster and then hit the top of the puller she popped right off, a little heat wont hurt but I wouldnt be making the parts glow red ! Good luck , Dw

 

[Jim.UT]

I've taken a lot of steering wheels off and I've never had awhtx's method fail.

I stand on the running boards, grab the wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, then pull up with all my might while rocking back and forth. After a while, I turn the wheel 90 degrees and repeat the process.

If you don't put the nut back on the shaft first, you'll wake up behind the tractor on your back with a steering wheel in your hand, wondering how you got there.

 

[john_Bud]

Slide hammer works well.

 

[TX641D]

Gave it another go today, still not successful. I don't own a torch...but I may soon! No movement on the rock back and forth and I've beat that wheel hub silly. I went to Northern Tool today and bought a spring compressor (heavy duty version of steering wheel puller). Cranked down with impact wrench but it just started bending the steering wheel bars.

So...heat sounds like the next step. I was hoping to take all the stuff to the painter tomorrow, but patience will have to win here.

Laughing about the "waking up behind the tractor" comment from you and awhtx. I see exactly what you guys mean!

 

[Sean in PA]

Have you been soaking it with PB Blast or anything similar?

 

[TX641D]

have been using liquid wrench. I'm not familiar with PB Blast, but will look for it next tript to the parts store.

 

[TX641D]

FINALLY!!! Guess it just needed some time, but I finally got it the steering wheel to pop off after days of penetrating liquid, a hammer, and lots of colorful words.